Hate Crime

What is hate crime?

Hate crime is when a person is targeted because of who they are or who the perpetrator thinks they are.  Hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person's actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.

How can I report hate crime?

If it is an emergency you can call the Police on 999. If it is not urgent, you can call the Police on 101 or report online on the Sussex Police website.

If you do not want to report directly to the Police, there are various other places you can report online such as:

True Vision

Crimestoppers

 

You can also report if you are a witness or on behalf of someone else. 

Why should I report hate crime?

It is not okay to be targeted because of who you, your family or your friends are. You have the right to live your life free from abuse and violence.

Hate crime is a serious offence, and can often be targeted against the most vulnerable people. Survivors of hate crime may also be more likely to experience repeat victimisation.  Reporting the crime can help stop it happening to you and to others.

You don't have to be the victim of a hate crime to report it. You can report something you have seen happening to someone else, or report it on someone else's behalf if they don't want to.

You can find out about how to report on our Hate Crime page.

I am a victim of hate crime. What support can I get?

Many victims feel unable to tell anyone what is happening to them and as a result suffer in silence.  They may live in fear or accept what is happening to them as part of everyday life. 

Hate crime can affect mental and physical health, as well as a loss of personal freedom or feelings of safety.  You can get practical and emotional support to help with these feelings from many of the services listed on this website.

 

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